Balance the marble game

ABSTRACT

A balancing game, where the game includes a pair of opposing substantially, semi-spherical halves and a central unit, which are configured when joined, to create a generally sphere like structure having an interior chamber that defines a linear shaft terminating in a flat landing portion and an opposing counter balance, with a marble; whereby when the marble is balanced on the flat landing portion of the linear shaft, the entire structure is at an equilibrium such that the generally sphere like assembled unit will maintain a stationary position when left at rest on a flat surface.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to entertainment games of skill, and more particularly to entertainment games of skill involving balancing marbles on flat surfaces, within a contained outer structure.

Since the dawn of consciousness, Human beings have sought ways to entertain themselves once their essential survival needs have been met. Throughout the ages, members of society have found entertainment in various forms of games. The phenomena of gravity and the curious structure that is the sphere have had significant staying power as sources of intrigue and entertainment in the gaming arena.

Often times, it is the simple obstacles in life that are the most frustrating and as a result it is often the simple accomplishments in life that can be rewarding and overcoming those simple obstacles can provide a source of entertainment. For example, balancing a small sphere on a flat surface, wherein the sphere and flat surface are both contained within a larger sphere, such that when the smaller sphere is balanced on the flat surface, the larger sphere is at an equilibrium and therefore stationary when placed on flat surface, is a simple obstacle that can be very frustrating until it is overcome; but once this simple obstacle is overcome, the responsible party experiences a sense of accomplishment and the whole experience has an entertainment value.

In light of the above, it would be beneficial to provide a simple obstacle contained in a game that can be overcome with a little skill and patience to provide a source of entertainment to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a balancing game. One embodiment of the present invention can include a pair of opposing plastic substantially semi-spherical halves and a central unit which are configured when joined to create a generally sphere-like structure having an interior chamber that defines a linear shaft terminating in a flat landing portion and an opposing counter balance with a marble whereby when the marble is balanced on the flat landing portion of the linear shaft, the entire structure is at an equilibrium such that the generally sphere like assembled unit will maintain a stationary position when left at rest on a flat surface.

Another embodiment of the present invention can include interchangeable covers so that the generally sphere shaped assembled unit can resemble a number of sphere shaped objects relevant to pop culture.

Another embodiment of the present invention can include a game with multiple linear shafts and multiple marbles.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include a game wherein the semi-spherical halves and central unit are made of non-plastic materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an assembled unit of the game that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the central unit of the game according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the shaft and landing portion of the device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the central unit of the game according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the composite parts of the game according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional cutout side elevation view of the game in an unsolved position according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

The present invention is directed to a self-contained game for balancing a marble on a surface.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the game 10 as an assembled unit in the “solved” resting, balanced, position which is useful for understanding the inventive concepts described herein. As shown, the game 10, according to one embodiment, can include a generally sphere like object 100, wherein the generally sphere like object 100 includes a first substantially semi-spherical housing 100 a, a central unit 200, removably attached to the first substantially semi spherical housing 100 a, and a second substantially semispherical housing 100 b, removably attached to the central unit 200.

As described herein, the first substantially semispherical housing 100 a also may include at least a portion that is flat 110. While the dimensions of the semispherical housing are not critical, in the preferred embodiment, the housing can have a radius of approximately an inch and a half. Of course, any number of other dimensions are also contemplated. In one embodiment of the invention the first substantially semispherical housing 100 a can include a plurality of pin like protrusions 112 a extending outward and upward from a peripheral edge 114 a.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the central unit 200 of the game 10. As shown, the central unit 200 can include a substantially circular, ring shaped body 210 having an edge 220, defining at least one coplanar linear shaft 230 extending from the edge 220 of the ring shaped body 210 inward towards its central axis, wherein the linear shaft 230 terminates in a flat landing portion 240. Additionally, the central unit can also include an opposing counter balance 250 that is positioned on the edge 220 of the ring opposite to the landing portion 240. In a preferred embodiment, the central unit 200 can include a plurality of bores 260 sized and configured to receive the pin like protrusions 112 a of the first substantially semispherical housing 100 a.

As shown in FIG. 2 a, one embodiment the shaft 230 might be flat, while in other embodiments it may have any number of obstacles such as channel-like indentations 232, bumps and protrusions 236 and/or divots 238 spanning its length. In one embodiment of the invention, the flat landing portion 240 may be round and hoop like, while in other embodiments it may be flat and rectangular 242, for example.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the game 10 also includes a second substantially semispherical housing 100 b and a marble 300 or other similar ball. In one embodiment of the invention the second substantially semispherical housing 100 b can include a plurality of elongated, generally hollow shaft-like protrusions 112 b extending outward and upward from a peripheral edge 114 b. The hollow protrusions 112 b can be sized and configured to be located within the plurality of bores 260 of the central unit 200, and to engage and receive the plurality of pin-like protrusions 112 a of the first semispherical housing 100 a, in order to complete the generally sphere like structure as depicted in FIG. 1.

In one preferred embodiment, the first substantially semispherical housing 100 a, the central unit 200 and second substantially semispherical housing 100 b can be constructed from single molds of injection plastic, however, any number of manufacturing materials and or manufacturing methods can be utilized ranging from glass to wood to metal.

FIG. 2 b illustrates an alternate embodiment of the central unit 200 that includes a plurality of coplanar linear shafts 230 a-230 d, each contacting the landing portion 240. Such a feature can provide additional game play elements for positioning the marble 300 onto the landing portion.

As illustrated best in FIG. 3, the game 10 includes three separate parts, specifically, a pair of opposing halves 100 a and 100 b which are configured, when joined with the central unit 200, to create a generally sphere like structure 10; however, one skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments may provide for a game 10 where the three separate parts are fused together so that they cannot be separated into their composite parts.

It is envisioned that alternate embodiments might include interchangeable parts so that the game 10, when assembled, resembles any number of identifiable sphere shaped items, including various balls used in traditional sports or other round items that have pop culture relevance. Such a feature can be accomplished, for example through the use of colored materials, stamping of images onto the spheres themselves, or through the insertion of various templates depicting images within the sphere itself.

As described herein, the composite parts that create the sphere-like structure of the game 10 are held together using a pin and bore system; however additional attachment means can be used such as the use of adhesives or other glues.

In one embodiment, the game 10 can include a method of play wherein the user can attempt to align the marble 300 with the coplanar linear shaft 230 and balance the marble 300 along the linear shaft 230 until the marble 300 has reached the landing portion 240. Once the marble 300 has reached the landing portion 240 and is balanced thereon, the game 10 will be in its “solved” resting, balanced, position and the game 10 will remain stationary when the flat portion 110 is in contact with a flat surface such as a table. The equilibrium is achieved because the weight of the counter balance 250 is equal to the combined weight of linear shaft 230 plus the landing portion 240, plus the marble 300 and therefore neutralizing any competing forces of gravity when the game 10 is solved.

FIG. 4 illustrates the game 10 in a non-solved position wherein the sphere is omitted for clarity. As shown, when the game 10 is on a flat surface, such as a table 5, and the marble 300 is not balanced on the landing portion 240, the weight of the counter balance 250 will cause the device to roll until the sphere is positioned with the counter balance on the bottom, and the liner shaft is in a generally vertical orientation. Stated otherwise, the game will rotate such that the linear shaft 230 and the counter balance 250 are substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 5 and the marble 300 is in direct contact with the counter balance 250.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A substantially spherical game for balancing a marble, said game comprising: a first substantially semi-spherical housing having a flat portion disposed along an outside portion thereof; a central unit removably attached to the first substantially semi-spherical housing , said central unit including a substantially circular ring shaped body having an edge defining at least one coplanar linear shaft, said shaft extending from the edge of the ring shaped body inward towards a central axis, and terminating into a generally flat landing portion, and at least one opposing counter balance disposed on the substantially circular ring; a second substantially semi-spherical housing removably attached to the central unit, sized and configured so that when joined together, the first substantially spherical housing, the central unit, and the second substantially semi-spherical housing create a generally sphere shaped object; and a marble.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein a weight of the counter balance is equal to the sum of the coplanar linear shaft, the landing portion and the marble such that when the marble is resting on the landing portion, the game is balanced and the coplanar linear shaft is parallel to a flat ground surface.
 3. The game of claim 2, wherein the sphere is configured to balance in an upright position about the flat portion of first substantially semi-spherical housing when the marble is resting on the landing portion
 4. The game of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of generally coplanar linear shafts each extending from the edge of the ring shaped body inward towards the central axis, and terminating into the generally flat landing portion.
 5. The game of claim 1, wherein the first substantially semi-spherical housing further comprises of a peripheral edge with a plurality of pin like protrusions extending outward and upward therefrom.
 6. The game of claim 1, wherein the second substantially semi-spherical housing further comprises of a peripheral edge with a plurality of generally hollow shaft-like protrusions extending outward and upward therefrom.
 7. The game of claim 1, wherein the substantially circular, ring shaped body of the central unit includes a plurality of bores sized and configured to receive the plurality of protrusions of the first and second substantially semi-spherical housings.
 8. The game of claim 1, wherein the first and second substantially semi-spherical housings are composed of at least one of transparent glass and plastic.
 9. The game of claim 1, wherein the central unit is composed of plastic.
 10. The game of claim 1, wherein the central unit is composed of wood.
 11. The game of claim 1, wherein the central unit is composed of metal.
 12. The game of claim 1, wherein the central unit is composed of bone.
 13. The game of claim 1, wherein the marble is composed of glass.
 14. The game of claim 1, wherein the marble is composed of stone.
 15. The game of claim 1, wherein the marble is composed of metal.
 16. The game of claim 1, wherein the marble is composed of plastic.
 17. The game of claim 1, wherein the coplanar shaft further comprises of indentations disposed about its longitudinal axis.
 18. A substantially spherical game for balancing a marble, said game comprising: a substantially spherical housing having a flat portion disposed along an outside portion thereof; a central unit attached to the substantially spherical housing , said central unit including a substantially circular ring shaped body having an edge defining at least one coplanar linear shaft, said shaft extending from the edge of the ring shaped body inward towards a central axis, and terminating into a generally flat landing portion, and at least one opposing counter balance disposed on the substantially circular ring; and a marble.
 19. A method of balancing a marble within a generally sphere like object, said method comprising: providing a substantially spherical game for balancing a marble that includes a first substantially semi-spherical housing having a flat portion disposed along an outside portion thereof, a central unit removably attached to the first substantially semi-spherical housing, said central unit including a substantially circular ring shaped body having an edge defining at least one coplanar linear shaft, said shaft extending from the edge of the ring shaped body inward towards a central axis, and terminating into a generally flat landing portion, and at least one opposing counter balance disposed on the substantially circular ring, a second substantially semi-spherical housing removably attached to the central unit, sized and configured so that when joined together, the first substantially spherical housing, the central unit, and the second substantially semi-spherical housing create a generally sphere shaped object, and a marble; rotating the substantially spherical game about a central axis until the marble is located adjacent to the coplanar shaft; maneuvering the marble onto the coplanar shaft; guiding the marble down the coplanar shaft until the marble reaches the landing portion and rests thereon; and placing the sphere with the marble on the landing portion, on the flat portion of the first substantially semi-spherical housing, on a flat surface such that the coplanar shaft is parallel to the flat surface. 